Prime Minister Zou Ji of the Kingdom of Qi was renowned for being handsome. There lived in the same city another man named Xu Gong, who was also famous for being attractive. One morning, after dressing up, Zou Ji gazed at himself in the mirror and asked his wife: "Who do you think is more handsome, Xu Gong or me?"

"You are far more handsome. Xu Gong's no match for you at all," was the answer. 

Not fully convinced, Zou Ji asked the same question to his concubine. 

"You are more handsome," she answered. 

The second day, a guest came to his home and Zou Ji again asked the question: Who do you think is more handsome?"

The visitor replied: "Xu Gong is not as handsome as you are."

Then one day, Xu Gong actually came to his house to visit him. Zou Ji had a thorough examination of the man's face and the way he carried himself and found that Xu Gong was actually far more handsome than himself.

Finally Zou Ji understood. His wife said he's more handsome because she loves him. His concubine fears him and his guest had a favor to ask of him, so none of them told him the truth.

The story warns people to have wisdom in understanding one's own limitations.